William H. Jones, 82, of Rockford, passed away on Tuesday, November 17, 2020 after a sudden illness.  He was born in Cherry Valley, IL on December 5, 1937 to Homer and Mary (Shine) Jones; married Bernice "Bea" (Nastasi) in Rockford on October 1, 1960 and she predeceased him in 2013. 

Bill graduated from Winnebago High School Class of ’56. He was employed throughout the years at Ace Hardware, Barber Colman, Reed Chatwood and retired in 2009 from Nicholson Hardware.  Bill was a lifelong member of First Assembly of God Church and for over 20 years he volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and a leader for Sonlight and Awana Clubs. He had a great love for God and was dedicated to his family and friends.  Bill had a huge heart and always had a willingness to help anyone at any time.  He had a great sense of humor and always had a smile and a great story to lift your spirits.  Many people may remember getting a Wild Willie’s Wake Up Service morning call.  He was dearly loved by all. 

He is survived by his son, Scott Jones and his children, Krystin (Anthony) Cooper (children, Hadley, Hannah and Halyn), all of Poplar Bluff, MO, son, Justin Jones of Rockford (daughter, Leila); daughter, Shellie (Steven) Whear (children, Erin and Megan Hough and Zachery and Aaron Whear), all of Suffolk, VA; sisters, Agnes Kirkpatrick and Arlene Giambeluca. Predeceased by his parents; wife, Bea; siblings, Charles, Everett, Roy, Bud and Mary.

Funeral service at 12:30pm with a walk-through visitation from 11:30am until time of the service on Saturday, November 21, 2020 in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, Loves Park, IL 61111.  Burial in Twelve Mile Grove Cemetery, Pecatonica.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a fund to be determined.  “I’ll see you in the funny papers!” The service is available to view on our Youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0IBD22gWCs Unfortunately, the video is not the full length of the service due to an electronic error.